Helping primary care patients use online tools for weight loss

A hybrid effectiveness/ implementation trial using online tools to increase weight loss among primary care patients

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-11146449

This project helps primary care patients achieve weight loss by guiding them to use free online tools and communities.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11146449 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many adults struggle with overweight or obesity, which can affect their health and quality of life. This project aims to make it easier for your primary care doctor to connect you with effective weight loss support. We are exploring a program called UTOOLS, which uses online tools like MyFitnessPal and supportive online communities. You would receive short videos and personalized feedback before a doctor's appointment, followed by text messages and emails for a year to help you stay engaged.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who are overweight or obese and receive care at participating primary care clinics.

Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in using online tools or who do not receive care at a participating primary care clinic may not benefit from this specific program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an accessible and effective way for more people to manage their weight through their primary care doctor.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on existing knowledge about effective online weight loss tools and aims to implement them more widely in primary care settings.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.